How to use one-way exclusion funnels to remove skunks without trapping them

How to use one-way exclusion funnels to remove skunks without trapping them

Skunks are nocturnal creatures so in order for a one-way exclusion funnel to work, you would need to install it during the day when it is inside the area. One-way exclusion funnels are basically trapped cages that allow the critter to enter and exit but they cannot reenter again. The trap door on one end would close once the animal enters the area and the animal must continue through to the other end, in order to exit. The entry-ways are both one-way so there is no returning unless the funnel is reset.



Skunks are slow, not normally intelligent creatures, but once they realize that they are in a cage, they would try to get free, reducing the chance that they would be trapped within the one-way exclusion funnel. However, you would need to ensure that the second exit is installed in a way that they skunk can escape through it, meaning that the door is not hindered in any way.

Before you install your one-way exclusion tunnel, you would need to look for other areas of entry that would accommodate the skunk. Try to seal these so that you can guarantee that the skunk would use the apparatus you set up. If the skunk resides in your attic, ensure that everywhere is sealed. If the skunk is under your deck or porch, you would need to seal all the holes and trenches.

It would be advisable for you to wear protective clothing while doing this, in the event that the skunk sprays you with its liquid. When installing the device, ensure that the skunk cannot dig around it, since this would defeat the purpose of getting the animal to use it in the first place. Monitor the den to see whether there are babies.

Weaning usually takes 2 months before the babies can leave the den. You may want to wait until this happens before you set up your apparatus. Baby skunks are born deaf and blind, so you risk them starving to death if their mother cannot get to them. Also, skunks may become aggressive if they cannot get to their babies.

Once you have sealed the entire area, install the device, ensuring that there is no obstruction to the door that is on the outside. Block off the areas next to the device from penetration so that the skunk does not seek an alternative exit or entry-way. The purpose of setting up a one-way exclusion funnel, is to get the skunk to leave and not allowing it to return.

Ensure that you handle the device with gloves so as not to leave your scent on it. Soak it in warm water if you have handled it with your bare hands, before installing it. You need to ensure that the human scent is not left on the device as you risk the skunk being trapped and starved to death inside your property. While skunk liquid is harsh and foul, a dead skunk odor is even worse. If properly installed in the day when the skunk is inside the den, it would use it to exit at night when it leaves to forage for food, and it would not be allowed inside when it returns.


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